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8.13.2007

AIO HARU (BLUE SPRING)

Aio Haru (Blue Spring)Directed and Written by Toshiaki ToyodaFrom the Manga by Taiyo Matsumoto

Schoolboys in revolt - - - it's the same old cruel story of youth that goes back all the way to Vigo but every generation demands a few of these for their own , if only to throw a bone to that hormonal urge to rebel we all phase through. The generation this is meant for already have their Battle Royale but they might find uses still for the cartoony vigor it shares with the Taiyo Matsumoto manga it siphons off - - -the filmmaking has a kooky, propulsive energy. But its cartoony vigor parallels Matsumoto only in terms of form. And Toyoda seems to have confused the way he draws with the tone he aims for. Kinder, gentler then- - -and how can it not be with that benign dwarf botanist? Also more upful and aggro with many liberties taken, not least of which is Toyoda finding deep-seated heartbreak behind the nonchalant anarchy where Matsumoto merely found a black hole of ennui. The manga was corrosive with blank nihilistic chill. Meet its big wussy thaw.* *